Bengals face deadline, Kroger buys large quantity of tickets

A billboard on Interstate 75 northbound just south of the Hopple Street exit.

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) -

The Bengals are facing a 4 p.m. deadline today to sell out Sunday's AFC Wild Card Game at Paul Brown Stadium against the Chargers and avoid a local television blackout.

Kroger said Friday that it has purchased a large quantity of tickets.

With the help of local radio stations, WKRQ, WUBE and WREW in Cincinnati and WHKO and WDHT in Dayton, Kroger will distribute the tickets to United States military veterans and active duty service members at several store locations in the area.

Customers need to show their military identification for two free tickets to Sunday's game while supplies last.

The distribution will take place on Saturday at the following Kroger store locations:

4-6 p.m., 4100 Hunt Road, Blue Ash.

10 a.m.-noon, 262 Main St., Amelia

noon-2 p.m. Yankee Road, Liberty Township

10 a.m.-noon, 130 Pavilion Parkway, Newport

1-3 p.m., 5830 Harrison Ave., Dent

Dayton area:

10 a.m.-noon, 10101 Landing Way, Miamisburg

noon-2 p.m. 885 Union Blvd, Englewood

"This is an exciting time to be a Bengals fan," said Sukankya Madlinger, [resident of Kroger's Cincinnati/Dayton Division. "And, Kroger is a huge supporter of the brave men & women who protect and defend our country. Giving them the opportunity to watch the ‘undefeated at home' Bengals in action is a great way for us to say ‘thank you' for your brave service. "

The Bengals on Thursday received an extension from the NFL. The previous deadline was 1 p.m. Thursday.

The Bengals said they have received support from other local businessesincluding Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Insurance Co., Cintas, United Dairy Farmers, Liberty Mutual/Safeco, Scripps and Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse who have helped provide tickets to military families through the Armed Forces Ticket Association.

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